A lot has changed since our last installment of the Creighton hoops “Hot Stove.” Let’s jump right into it.
Bluejay Transfers
The Davion Mintz conundrum has been solved. The talented combo guard will graduate and transfer, and likely be one of the top guard prospects on the market. I discussed his impact and what it might mean for the Jays in 2020-2021, in depth, on the previous Hot Stove.
Creighton freshman sharpshooter Jalen Windham also announced he was transferring from the program last week. The 6-5 Indiana native struggled to find minutes in 2019-2020, not for lack of talent, however. Windham averaged 2.6 ppg shooting 27% from three mostly during clean up minutes for the Bluejays this year. Windham impressed the staff last spring after getting his release from Georgia State. It’s easy to see why Creighton’s Let If Fly mantra appealed to Windham who boasts a confident stroke from beyond the arc.
Despite his abilities, it is difficult to see where Windham fit within the program moving forward. The Jays will not lose one backcourt contributor from 2019-2020. The addition of 6-6 Antwann Jones to the wing position makes the pool of minutes even more scarce. The Jays are also right there for 2019 guard Kerwin Walton.
MAC schools have already begun reaching out to Windham, I expect Conference USA, MVC, Horizon and OVC teams to follow suit.
I think I speak on behalf of all Creighton fans in wishing Jalen the best of luck in his career. Once a Jay, always a Jay.
Speaking of Windham, we got a question from White & Blue Review’s favorite Jesuit,
As I mentioned, Jalen was likely to be near the bottom of the depth chart again in 2020-2021 for Creighton, thus I do not think his departure moves the needle too much in terms of landing Walton, or a sit-out transfer.
Walton spoke about his six finalists, Creighton, Arizona, Georgetown, Minnesota, Vanderbilt and North Carolina. I’ve seen a Mid-April (~April 14) date rumored for when Kerwin will announce.
Arizona is confident they’ve landed him following a successful season from Walton’s good friend and former teammate Zeke Nnaji, but I still LOVE the fit for Creighton. I think Minnesota and Georgetown are on the outside looking in. North Carolina has bigger fish they are waiting on at the moment and are near the scholarship limit. Vanderbilt has a good shot, but they are in the process of building what Creighton is currently. Arizona has spots open, but they are also bringing in some talented wings in 2020 and seem focused on transfers as well– multiple who play in the backcourt.
Creighton target Josh Primo selected Alabama last week. While not unexpected, Primo’s decision had little to no bearing on Windham’s future with the program. Among many factors that went into Primo’s decision, the pathway to minutes next year was right up there. When Alabama NBA prospects Kira Lewis and John Petty declared for the Draft it pretty much sealed that Primo would be heading to Tuscaloosa.
Likewise, I would project many of Creighton backcourt transfer targets, DJ Carton, Alex O’Connell, Jalen Carey, Aaron Estrada to be well ahead of where Windham would have been on the depth chart.
Let’s discuss those potential transfers
https://twitter.com/nick_marcuccio/status/1245160357880115200?s=20
Creighton has been very active in the transfer portal, almost exclusively with those likely to sit-out and play.
We briefly discussed some of the major names in the portal last week–namely Carton, Nolley and Grill. Nolley released a top 11 list that did not include the Jays, but did include Big East programs Seton Hall, UConn, and Georgetown. Grill will re-up with former South Dakota State coach TJ Otzelberger. Creighton connected with Sam Sessoms of Binghamton and then he chose Penn State this week. Likewise, Rhode Island’s Tyrese Martin has cut the Jays from his list.
Carton’s recruitment remains a bit of a mystery at this point. I have heard he’s looking to apply for a hardship waiver and play next season, which he would likely receive. I’ve also heard he wants to sit out and take the transfer year to prioritize his mental health, the reason he left Columbus in the first place. All four Iowa programs have made contact with Carton, as well as Louisville, Michigan, Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Seton Hall, Nebraska and Marquette along with Creighton.
Carton is still one of the top transfers on the board for the Jays, it will come down to WHEN Carton can/will get back on the court. If he’s targeting 2020-2021, I think he heads somewhere other than Omaha. Iowa State seems to be a squad that’s gaining momentum in terms of his recruitment.
One transfer nearing a decision is Saint Peters freshman guard Aaron Estrada. The 6-4 combo guard from New Jersey was MAAC Freshman of the Year in 2019-2020 averaging 8.2 ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8 apg, shooting 34% from 3. Estrada impressed on both ends of the floor in MAAC play last season. He’s narrowed his choice down to Oregon, Syracuse and Creighton.
Prior to starring for Saint Peter’s Estrada was a stand-out for perennial New Jersey Hoops Powerhouse St. Benedicts. The talented lefty, has the ability to play on or off the ball at the next level.
What I find important and intriguing is Carton, Estrada, Carey*, and players like Antwann Jones is the sit-one play three aspect to their recruitment. Creighton can/will be successful in the Big East, getting and STAYING old. By that I mean building a program with experienced players who can step up when called. Antwann Jones spent a year in the program adjusting and learning. He will enter the fold next year with Sophomore standing, but in reality an upperclassman. The same situation will be the case for a player like Carton, Estrada and Carey, and possibly a few others who have not officially entered the portal. I think that is enticing for a program like Creighton.
*Carey will likely apply for a waiver and get an extra year of eligibility.
Estrada has targeted mid-April to announce. Adam Zagoria is reporting Oregon is the leader in his recruitment. While multiple sources close to Syracuse seem to think Estrada is not a real target for the ACC side.
Another key name to keep an eye on is Rice transfer Trey Murphy III. The 6-8 stretch forward grew 3 inches at Rice as a freshman and has blossomed into a three level player. The North Carolina native is one of the most complete and mature players in the portal at the moment. According to Stockrisers.com he’s heard from Arizona, Texas, Xavier, Houston, Stanford, Arkansas, Iowa State, App.State, DePaul, Cincinnati, Arizona State, Creighton, UConn, BYU, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Villanova, Alabama, Colorado, Northwestern, Nebraska, Georgia, Marquette, Colorado and Memphis. He mentioned he will take virtual visits to UConn, Creighton and Iowa State.
Murphy looks like a natural fit at the 4 spot for the Jays who will lose Denzel Mahoney and Davmien Jefferson when he becomes eligible. His game is very similar to former Bluejay Cole Huff. However, Murphy looks more comfortable with putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. He averaged 13.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.2 apg shooting 36.8% (75/204) from three in 2019-2020 after shooting 42.1% (64/152) in 2018-2019 as a freshman.
Despite all the interest, Murphy seems to be keeping his recruitment close to his vest. He’s mentioned on more than one occasion his hope to sit out in 2020-2021 to gain strength and develop his game.
Look for the Jays to be right there in the end for Murphy, if not one of the leaders at this point.
Another Rice transfer has landed on the Jays wish list in forward Drew Peterson. The 6-8 forward, by way of Illinois, is a statstuffer. He averaged 11ppg, 6.5rpg and 3.5 apg shooting 33% from three. In watching Rice highlights from this year, it’s readily apparent how unselfish Peterson is on the floor. However, he is prone to turnovers. Peterson has gained interest from a number of programs including Creighton, Cincinnati, Stanford, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Tulane, San Diego, Georgetown and Richmond.
Creighton is in an ideal spot. They can be selective with how they navigate the portal at this point and go after the most talented players that fit the system. There are needs moving forward, but nothing emergent for 2020-2021.
The Jays have recently contacted former Duke guard Alex O’Connell. The talented shooter was often the 5-6 option in Durham and found it hard to carve out a roll. He’ll likely have to sit for a year before having one year left. He could be a nice option if Jays are confident in getting a high impact 2021 guard. Memphis, Xavier, Maryland are a few of the other players.
Similarly, the Jays have reached out to former Syracuse combo guard Jalen Carey. The speedy Harlem, NY native was billed as an impact player for the Orange but never lived up to his high school rankings. At 6-3, he has excellent size and is very quick with the ball. Would need to work on his 3-point shooting to be effective playing at Creighton. Having said that, he’s tough, long, FAST, good going to the rim, and unselfish.
Carton’s teammate Luther Muhammad found his way onto the portal over the weekend. The defensive minded combo guard from New Jersey will have no shortage of suitors. The Jays will try and get involved. Creighton got an up close look at Muhammad in 2018 when the Buckeyes traveled to Omaha for the Gavitt Games. Muhammad is an improving offensive player, but made a name for himself on the defensive side of the ball for coach Chris Holtmann.
Creighton also been linked to Nicholls State bouncy forward Warith Alatishe. Alatishe nearly averaged a double-double last season and at 6-7 has a very similar game to Christian Bishop. He’s an improving player.
If I had to power-rank the transfers I know the Jays are involved with at this point (4/7) it would look like this:
- Trey Murphy – 2 years of eligibility
- DJ Carton – 3 years of eligibility
- Drew Peterson – 2 years of eligibility
- Aaron Estrada – 3 years of eligibility
- Alex O’Connell – 1 year of eligibility
- Jalen Carey – 3* year of eligibility
- Warith Alatishe – 2 years of eligibility
I’ve also seen rumors suggesting a few former Creighton recruiting targets in the past that could enter the transfer portal soon. Expect the Jays to continue to target sit and play guards and shooters.
- Transfers OUT: Jalen Windham (G), Davion Mintz (Grad Transfer – G)
- Grad Transfer targets: None
- Sit & Play Transfer targets: DJ Carton (G), Trey Murphy (W), Aaron Estrada (G) [Final 3], Drew Peterson (F), Warith Alatishe (F), Jalen Carey (G)
- 2020 Recruits: Kerwin Walton (G) [Final 6], Daniel Batcho (F)
Around the Big East
2020-2021
- Transfers OUT: Khalif Battle (G)
- Jordan Tucker declares for NBA will keep eligibility
- Grad Transfer targets: Amauri Hardy (SG), Michael Flowers (G)
- Sit & Play targets: Morris Udeze (F/C) [Final 5], Trey Wertz (G), Koreem Ozier (G), Ishmael El-Amin (G),
- Reed declares for NBA draft
- Transfers OUT: Devin Gage
- Grad Transfer targets: Terrell Gomez (G), Charles Mineland Jr (G)
- Sit & Play Transfer targets:
- 2020 Recruits: Zaire Wade (G)
- McClung declares for NBA Draft, will keep eligibility
- Rumors swirling that Yurtseven will pursue professional opportunities
- Grad Transfer targets: Kodye Pugh (F)
- Sit & Play Transfer targets: Khalil Whitney (G), Landers Nolley (G) [Final 11], Alex O’Connell (G), Koreem Ozier (G), Drew Peterson (F), Jalen Carey (G)
- 2020 Recruits: Kerwin Walton (G) [Final 6], Karim Mane
- Grad Transfer targets: Amauri Hardy (G), Justin Turner (G) [Final 3], Darius Perry (G)
- Sit & Play Transfer targets: Jamarius Burton (G) [Final 5], DJ Carton (G), Jalen Carey (G)
- 2020 Recruits: Karim Mane (G)
- Friars have been active and already filled holes moving forward grabbing Syracuse combo guard Brycen Goodine and La Salle mobile big man Ed Cresswell. Both will sit out 2020-2021
- Transfers IN: Brycen Goodine (G), Ed Cresswell (F)
- Grad Transfer targets: None
- Sit & Play Transfer targets: None
- Some rumblings that Mamukelashvili id looking at professional options
- Grad Transfer targets: Bryce Aiken (PG) [Final 4], Amauri Hardy (G), Mike Smith (G), Darius Perry (G),
- Sit & Play Transfer targets: Jamarius Burton (G) [Final 5], Morris Udeze (F/C) [Final 5], DJ Carton (G), Tyrese Martin (F) [Final 5]
- Rumors abound that Figueroa is looking at professional options
- Transfers OUT: Ian Steere (F), & Damien Sears (W)
- Transfers IN: Arnoldo Toro (Grad Transfer – F/C)
- Grad Transfer targets: None
- Sit & Play Transfer targets: None
- Not a ton of holes on this roster, however Bey and Robinson-Earl should get NBA looks. Do not be shocked if Bey climbs draft boards and has a tough decision to make.
- Grad Transfer targets: None
- Sit & Play Transfer Targets : Johnny Juzang (W) [Final 6], Trey Murphy III (W)
- Naji Marshall declared for NBA Draft
- Transfers IN: Nate Johnson (Grad Transfer – G)
- Grad Transfer targets: None
- Sit & Play Transfer targets: Morris Udeze (F/C) [Final 5], Jamarius Burton (G) [Final 5], Alex O’Connell
- Transfer OUT: Alterique Gilbert
- Grad Transfer targets: Brandon Johnson (G) [Final 7]
- Sit & Play Transfer targets: Landers Nolley (G) [Final 11], Tyrese Martin (F) [Final 5], Trey Murphy III (W), Ishmael El-Amin (G), Jalen Carey (G)
- 2020 Recruit: Adama Sanogo (F/C)
